Weed Patch to Native Meadow Conversion - Site Prep

Brief Organizational Description:
The mission of the Friends of Byrd Park is to preserve and enhance the natural, historic, and recreational resources of Byrd Park by partnering with the community and City through advocacy, stewardship, and volunteerism.
Volunteer Position Description and Purpose:
Thanks to a 2026 grant, a native plant meadow is being installed in Byrd Park alongside Shields Lake. The site is currently covered with solarization fabric (to trap the sun's radiant heat and moisture in the soil, creating a greenhouse effect that naturally kills weeds, harmful fungi, bacteria without chemicals). This volunteer day is Step 2 in the process.
Volunteer Duties & Responsibilities:
Using shovels, rakes, and garden forks, volunteers will prepare the soil for planting by removing solarization materials, light weeding, amending soil, adding compost, and applying soil microbes.
Qualifications, Skills, & Requirements:
No specific skills are needed. All duties will be guided by a professional.
Time Commitment:
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Other Information (if applicable):
Wear comfortable clothing and close-toed shoes that can get dirty
Bring water bottles
Please bring GLOVES
All tools will be provided
Parking is available in the Shields Lake parking lot

Minimum age: 14.